Family Therapy

Each family is a unique self-contained social system, with its own structure and patterns of communication. How a particular family functions is determined by various factors, including the parents' beliefs and values, the differing personalities of the family members, and the impact of external influences from the extended family, including grandparents, aunts and uncles. Because of these variables, each family develops its own unique and powerful personality, which affects all of its members.

Why are whole families being treated

 Family therapy is becoming an increasingly common form of treatment as changes in society are reflected in family structures. The old style of nuclear family, where two long-term partners cared for their children in a clearly defined unit in which the male worked and the female brought up the children is increasingly rare. There are now many different family structures, involving heterosexual couples, same sex partnerships and single parents. Some families involve several children with differing sets of parents.These varied family structures have led to two further developments: couples therapy, which treats relationship problems between marriage partners or gay couples; and the extension of family therapy to religious communities or other groups that resemble families.

What symptoms suggest a need for family therapy

Sometimes, the relationship between partners becomes strained and tense. This may be the result of poor communication, constant conflict, lack of closeness, sexual problems, or difficult relationships with in-laws. Problems can also develop in the relationship between a couple because of a medical or psychological problem in either of the partners, or in one of their children. Parent-child issues can create both stress and distress within a family. Discipline issues and poor communication are very common. Sometimes there are constant battles between siblings, and the parents cannot resolve these conflicts. Another factor that can create tensions and difficulties within a family – sometimes for every member of the family – is the major upheaval caused by a divorce and the creation of a stepfamily.

When is it right to seek help

Family therapy can be beneficial when someone in the family has a condition that interferes not just with their own life, but also with that of other members of their family. It has been used successfully to treat many different types of families in various situations, including those in which:
• the parents have conflict within their relationship
• a child has behavioural or educational problems
• children have problems getting along with each other
• one family member has a long-term mental illness issue, such as alcohol abuse or severe depression

Family therapy can also be used as a mechanism to prevent problems occurring in the future. Some families seek this type of therapy when they anticipate a major change in their lives. For example, a man and woman who both have children from previous marriages may go to family therapy when they marry, to help all members of their combined new family learn how to live together. The concepts of family therapy can be used in therapy for individuals. This approach can be particularly helpful for individuals from a family in which there is illness and/or other problems. It can also help an adult who lived in a dysfunctional family when he or she was a child.

How does family therapy work

During therapy sessions, the family's strengths are used to help them handle their problems. All members take responsibility for these problems, but some family members may need to change their behaviour more than others. Family therapy is a very active type of therapy, and family members are often given assignments. For example, parents may be asked to delegate more responsibilities to their children. The number of sessions required varies, depending on the severity of the problems and the willingness of the family members to participate in therapy. The family and the therapist set mutual goals and discuss the length of time expected to achieve the goals. Not all members of the family need to attend each session.